14920 hutchison rd. tampa, florida (north of ehrlich...
TRANSCRIPT
Messiah Lutheran Church January ~ 2015
14920 Hutchison Rd. Tampa, Florida (North of Ehrlich) 33625-5507
Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff - Vacancy Pastor 763-614-9585 [email protected]
Tammy Nunes, Office Administrator 961-2182 (Office)
[email protected] 968-8895 (Office)
Fax 961-0592
Abby Moss, Family Life Minister 789-7143 (C)
www.messiahtampa.com
Jody Schweichler, Preschool Director/Teacher 968-9534
Kim Capsas, Minister of Music/Organist 948-2767
Worship:
8:30 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays) Christian Education:
9:45 AM Contemporary (Holy Communion 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) 9:45 AM
11:00 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays)
Happy New Year! At the start of the New Year the Scripture verse that comes to mind is: “Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I’m doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
As one year comes to a close and a new year begins, maybe there are a few thoughts and feelings that we have that this verse can address.
Forget the former things. Perhaps there are some things that have happened this
past year that you wish had not happened, things you regret. Choices you’ve
made or situations that have happened that did not go well. That’s not uncommon
since we live in an imperfect world. But that is why it is important to dwell not on
our mistakes, but on God’s actions despite our mistakes. Here is what God does:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new
has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Every day, you are a new creation in Christ. It
doesn’t matter who you were, it matters who you are and you are made new in
Christ. So don’t let the mistakes of the past define who God says you are today in
Christ.
Do not dwell on the past. Yet, not everything in the past is bad. Perhaps much of
this past year has been filled with joy, achievement, great memories. So why
would you want to forget those things? You don’t need to forget them. But in mov-
ing forward into a new year don’t let the good things of the past cause you to feel
like things have to stay that way or that nothing “new” or good can happen moving
forward. As great as some things have been in the past, there is no limitation to
what God can do in the future. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him
be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and
ever.” (Ephesians 3:20-21). Regardless of how great things have been, as you
move forward God is able to do immeasurably more.
God is doing a new thing! The exciting thing about a new year is what God can do.
What new opportunities, new experiences, new blessings will this new year bring?
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:3). The
new thing that we all pray for God to do here at Messiah is to reveal who Messiah’s
next pastor will be. Even as you read this newsletter, the Call Committee has the
list of candidates in hand and are prayerfully reviewing them. Interviews will begin
soon. We look forward to God doing a new thing here in Messiah’s ministry as we
make our way through the year 2015.
For several reasons, I’m thankful for the words of Isaiah 43:18-19. Maybe you are too. Happy New Year! Pastor Goff
Messiah Lutheran Church
14920 Hutchison Road
Tampa, Florida 33625
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL.
Permit No. 3341 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Statement of Mission
We, the members of Messiah Lutheran, in grateful thanksgiving for the blessings of forgiveness, life and salvation through
Jesus Christ our Lord:
~ Consecrate ourselves to grow in faith
~ Devote ourselves to grow in service
~ Dedicate ourselves to grow in witness outreach
Praying this year you find
Hope
Joy
Peace
Love
through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior
Happy New Year! Jeremiah 29:11
Ministries & Activities
Adult Bible Study (Sunday 9:45 a.m.)
Mark Lemke - “Books of the Bible” - Ministry Center Room 201
Bible Study - “Book of Concord” - Ernie Munzen - CLC - Middle
Altar Guild - Lois Draper @ 961-8287
Angel Stitches - CLC - Room 1 - Contact Lynn Turke @ 960-7289
Assimilation - CLC - Conference Room - Contact Bruce Noyes @ 264-0760
Bakalyar’s Neighborhood Bible Study - At her home - Contact Beverly @ 300-3085
BAMOMS - CLC - Middle
Blind Ministry Luncheon - CLC - Middle - Contact Diane Wawrzyniak @ 962-3585
Boy Scouts - Ministry Center - Room 204 & Gym
Center for Hispanic Studies - Ministry Center - Room 204
Choir - Sanctuary - Monday - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook
Christian Education Mtg. - Copier Room - Contact Loraine Eden @ 732-3078
Cub Scouts – Pack 18 - CLC - Middle, Room 1,2,3 & Conference Room
Florida Suncoast Decorative Artist - CLC - Middle
Girl Scouts - CLC room 2
Handbells - Sanctuary - Monday - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook
LifeLight Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room - Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.
LWML - Contact Nancy Lemke at 264-5095
Memorial Garden Committee - Cry Room - Contact Lu Heine @ 569-9377
Men’s Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room ~ Wednesday Morning 7:00 a.m.
Messiah’s Followers Forever - Ministry Center ~ Contact Barbara Packer @ 428-6204
Narcotics Anonymous - Ministry Center - Youth Room
Pinochle - contact David West at 972-8861 or [email protected]; play monthly
Preschool Fellowship - Ministry Center - Gym
Senior Adults - Lois Dworkin - 727-648-4365 or Dorothy Biegert - 961-0659
Social Ministry - CLC - Conference Room
Stephen Ministry Support - Ministry Center - Rm. 201- Walt Halfmann, 792-8406
Trail Life - CLC, Ministry Center
Wednesday Evening Adult Bible Study ~ 6:45 - 7:45, Ministry Center #201
Young Adults 20’s - 30’s - Abby Moss, 789-7143
Youth Choir/Flag Team - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook
Youth Sunday Afternoon - Ministry Center - Gym & Youth Room - Abby Moss, 789-7143
January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
A New Year to give thanks to God… seek the Lord…trust in Him…spread the Word...
1 Pam Beaver
Rudy Cabina
Nancy Lemke
Teddy Rose
2 Jaline Arango
Emma Decker
Beverly Hladky
Steve Ruth
3 Robert Harrigan III
4 Joan Brannan
Emelina Brown
Emily Gafur
Steven Turke Jr.
Becky Vollrath
5 Dennis Gafur
7 David Anderson
Jimmie Rice
8 Cyndy Kilpinen
Frank Scalise
Christopher Smith
9 Wayne Plager
10 Alex Kessler Julie Scheidter
11 Caroline Daniels
Nicky Nicol Jr.
Matthew Wood
12 Margaret Rudsinski
Barbara Walters
13 Stephanie Hernandez
14 Nicolas Arango
16 Walt Halfmann
Mary Marrs
Rodney Swilley
17 Donna Rozell
Chuck Sumpter
18 Keith Bakalyar
Barbara Bellott
19 Jacob Amerson
Paul Smith
22 Peyton Simspon
Jan Skeins
Nathan Watters
23 Marilyn Link
24 Brittny Buckner
Nicholas Daniel
John Lloyd
25 Avery Burnett
Tony Gain
Roger Rice
Nancy Umbaugh
Kenneth Vollrath
26 Linda Keyes
27 Lu Heine
28 Debra McGuire
Grant Walters
29 Emil Vollrath
31 Jackson Beaver
Carsten Hilbert
Newsletter Information ~ All directors, committee members, and anyone else desiring to place announcements in the February Newsletter, please e-mail to Tammy at [email protected] by Thursday, January 15th. Angel Stitches, Messiah's crocheting, quilting and crafting group will meet Sunday, January 11th at 2pm. Visitors always welcome. If you have any ques-tions please call Mary Plotkowski (813-960-9220) or Lynn Turke (813-833-9598). Morning LWML Meeting ~ Tuesday, January 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the CLC.
Evening LWML Meeting ~ Thursday, January 15th at 7:30 p.m. at Cathy Most’s home. Carrollwood Care Center Birthday Parties ~ The monthly birthday for this month will be held Wednesday, January 21st at 2:15 PM at Carrollwood Care Nursing Home (located right behind Messiah). Any questions? - call Mary Plotkowski at 813-960-9220. Senior adults will meet for lunch at 11:30 on Thursday, January 22nd at Bally Hoo's on 7604 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa. Please have your reservations in by Monday, January 19th to Dorothy Biegert at 961-0659 or Lois Dworkin at 727- 648- 4365 or email at [email protected].
Portals of Prayer for January ~ March are available on the table in the narthex. These devotionals are helpful to your spiritual growth. Please take home a copy and
read the devotional for each day. Large print editions are also available. Messiah is looking for a part time, on commission facilities coordinator to start January 2015. If interested in applying contact Joel Mathews or Wayne Jackson. BOX TOP FOR EDUCATION and CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS. We are still saving Box Top for Education and Campbell Soup labels for Lutheran schools in the area. Please put them in the can on the table in the narthex.
New Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship Service w/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communion
5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.
WINTER JAM: January 10
Winter Jam is an awesome Christian concert where a bunch of Christian artists and bands like Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, For King & Country, Newsong, Family Force 5, Blanca, Veridia and more con-verge. The best part is it is open seating and only costs $10 at the door! This year it is at Times Forum or Amalie Arena in Tampa. Seating fills up fast and we have to get there early. We will meet at Messiah at 12PM and depart. We will do a tailgate dinner in line and just hang out as a group. Feel free to bring card games, a beach blanket, or a Frisbee. Doors will open a little before 5PM with the pre-concert entertainment. The concert starts at 6PM. We will return to Messiah between 10:45 & 11PM. Parents, we need drivers/chaperones for this event. All participants need to sign-up ahead of time so we have enough rides. This event is open to all 5th-12th grade youth or interested adults or families.
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Special Thanks to those Volunteers who helped with youth
activities During the Month of December.
Open Gym Helpers: Paul Dworkin, & Steve Jones
Special Event Helpers: Doris Hogan, Paul Dworkin, JJ
MacFarland, Sara Skeins, Claudia Bohren,
and Jeff & Gwen Salt
We appreciate you and couldn’t do it without you!
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SERVING MESSIAH IN JANUARY
8:30 AM 11:00 AM
ACOLYTES:
4 Blake Saylor Jake Amerson
11 Delanie Matson Pierce Rodrick
18 Evan Munzen Kyle Mavrides
25 Alvin Forte Colin Gabriel
ALTAR GUILD:
Kathy Wagner & Christian Moll Janet Booth & Allyson Kessler
ELDERS:
4 Dan Carlson & Mike Mekelburg Mike Healey & Dale Laxton
11 Dan Carlson Dale Laxton
18 Mike Castro & Ed Picillo Bill Meyer & Gary Weber
25 Mike Mekelburg Bill Meyer
GREETERS:
4 Lois Draper Stuart & Pam Dalton
11 Lorraine Eden Wayne & Cynthia Jackson
18 Walt & Norma Halfmann Dale & Luann Laxton
25 David & Anne West Cliff Yarosh
PROJECTIONISTS
4 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Nathan Nester (11:00) Kathy Larson
11 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) Michael Bohren
18 (8:30) Teresa Klicker (9:45) Nathan Nester (11:00) Mark Lemke
25 (8:30) Kevin Garriott (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) David Pergande
COFFEE:
4 Gwen Salt
11 LWML
18 Ernie & Gail Munzen
25 Lu Heine
CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m.
USHERS: ELDERS: ACOLYTES
4 Floyd Skeins & Sara Skeins Ron Dial Emma Irwin
11 Joni Daniel & Jolianna Daniel Bob Harrigan & Paul Riffel Aryn Nester
18 Ron Dial & Sarah Parker Paul Riffel Angelina Dial
25 Steve & Gaylene Gay Ron Dial & Bob Harrigan Tyler Matthews
2015 ~ Flower Charts
Flower Charts for 2015 are posted on the portable bulletin board. If you would like to honor a loved one, have a celebration, or want to place flowers in memory of someone, you may do so. You can also give the eternal candle for the month by signing the line under each month. We ask that you please give us the following information:
● Please print your name (legibly)
● The Occasion
● If the line is taken, please choose another date.
The cost for each arrangement is $20.00
The cost for the eternal candle is $15.00
payable to “Flower Fund ~ Messiah Lutheran”
LED Sign News
Our LED Sign installation and adjustments to the surrounding habitat is nearly finished. Now is time to provide your help by improving communication with our surrounding communities and commuters. Using our signs opens up our ability to interest others in Messiah Church activi-ties. Our mainstay of listings currently covers Worship times, Seasonal events, Musical attractions and Preschool. We need additional information covering other church activities of sign presenta-tions. Currently under consideration are: Hispanic Sunday School @ 11:30 a.m,; Hispanic Worship @ 1 p.m.; Hispanic Ministry Fellowship @ 2 p.m.
Did your family have an infant/toddler baptized in the last two years?
Then, Please contact our Director of Family Ministry, Abby Moss. This year, we would like to commemorate Baptism of our Lord Sunday and make this a special family milestone celebration. We want to invite your family to join us on Sunday
January 11th at noon (or right after the 11AM service) for a time of food, family fellowship, and exploring the best ways to encourage faith development in infants and toddlers. RSVPs are encouraged
for food planning purposes. Abby can be reached at [email protected] or 813-961-2182.
MESSIAH SOCIAL MINISTRY wishes to thank all members and friends who partici-pated in our annual, Hope Children’s Home Christmas outreach and party. Because of your generosity, our sweet children at Hope Children’s Home were recipients of beautiful gifts which were delivered to them on December 29th. The gymnasium at Hope was filled with excitement and happy smiles as the children opened their gifts
after enjoying a few sweet treats and punch. We Social Ministry servants and friends were then treated to a mini-concert of Christmas songs performed by the kids. Your gift selections from each child’s own “wish list” brought bright smiles and much joy to these special kids. Thanks for your expressions of love. Thanks and praise to God for His many blessings which allowed us to care and share through this and other MESSIAH SOCIAL MINISTRY’s outreach opportunities in 2014. The Minis-tries’ project plans for 2015 will be successful with your continued love and support.
Women of Messiah – LWML
Thank you, thank you to everyone who helped to make the Advent by Candlelight
tea a huge success. The ladies who hosted tables did a wonderful job decorating
their tables beautifully. The entertainment was great and we had a good atten-
dance. Also, a big thank you to whoever donated the live table wreaths and candles to each of the
table hostesses, what a lovely surprise. Pay it forward ladies.
The ladies also hosted the Advent supper in December. We made our delicious home-made
soups. Thanks to all the ladies for making soups and bringing the extras.
We are already making plans for January. Another year already past. They sure do go by
fast. In January we are collecting fabric kits for Lutheran World Relief. This project gives people a
chance to make clothes for their families in poverty stricken areas. Each kit only consists of fabric
and thread. Do not add anything else and do not put in plastic bags. Our ladies will assemble the
kits as we are instructed by LWR. The material should be cotton or cotton blend (no knits or 100%
polyester.) The sizes are as follows: 60” width, 21/4 yards, 44” width, 3 yards, or 36” width, 4
yards. Also include 2 spools of neutral colored all purpose thread, 250 – 300 yards each. That is it
just the fabric and the thread. If you would like to donate items for the kits please put in a bag
and place on the LWML cart in the narthex or bring to the January meeting or give to Nancy
Lemke. Please bring your items by Sun. Jan. 25. We are doing this project in Jan. because we can
deliver the kits to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where they will be picked up by truck and
taken to Lutheran World Relief warehouse and we can save a lot of money on shipping.
The morning LWML group will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the CLC conference
room. The evening group will meet on Thursday, Jan. 15th at 7:30 p.m. at Cathy Most’s home,
7103 Halifax Ct. All ladies are always welcome.
Kid Sit Registration Form
Suggested donation of $30 for the evening per child (or $6/hour if not staying the
whole time) or 2 children for $40. (Discounted rates for pre-registering to attend
ahead of time by turning in this form are $20 for one child or $25 for 2 ($5 for each
additional child)). Registrations for January 24th must be turned in by Friday
January 16th to qualify for the pre-registration. Thanks for your support!
Parent’s Names: _______________________________
Contact Phone Number: ___________________
Emergency Contact Name: _________________________
Emergency Contact Number: __________________________
Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________
Allergies/Medical Conditions: __________________________
Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________
Allergies/Medical Conditions: _________________________
Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________
Allergies/Medical Conditions: _________________________
Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________
Allergies/Medical Conditions: _________________
Kid Sit is back!
Our next event will be Saturday January 24 from
5-10PM in the Christian Life Center.
Children must be potty trained and between 3&10 years of age to attend.
Since this is a fundraiser, we are going to encourage a specific donation
as well as an RSVP ahead of time (for food planning purposes) but will
not turn anyone away that cannot contribute at our level or joins us last
minute the night of (discounts available for pre-registering).
Evening Schedule:
5PM-6:30PM Arrival Playground & Bike Riding Time
If you have a bike/trike and helmet you would like to bring from home,
we have a great open parking lot space for some riding. If you prefer to
leave the bike at home there will be plenty else to do. (We will not ride if
weather is inclement).
6:30-7PM Dinner
Menu for January will be Pizza, carrots & grapes
If you would like to provide your own food because of allergies or die-
tary restrictions, please feel free.
7-8PM Free Play & Organized Games
8-8:30 Craft & Game Time
8:30-10PM Movie & Popcorn
10PM Everyone Goes Home
This is offered by youth & parents partially as a youth fundraiser.
Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 13th at 7:30 p.m. Agenda items include:
● Update from Call Committee
● Approval of 2015 Ministry Work Program
● Reports from staff and committee directors
PRESCHOOL NEWS On December 17th, family members and friends attended our annual Christmas presentation. What a wonderful program it was. We wish to thank you parents and grandparents for attending and also give a special thanks to our wonderful students for such a great performance.
Registration for the 2015/2016 school year will begin Monday, February 2nd at 8:00 a.m. for members of Messiah Lutheran Church and for the students already enrolled or their siblings. Open registration will begin on Wednesday, February 4th at 8:00 a.m. This year we will be offering a 3 day program for three year olds which will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and a 2 day program for three year olds that will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our 5 day a week program will be offered to four year olds eligible for VPK. Beginning in January we will be offering tours of the school on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Please call Jody Schweichler at (813) 968-9534 to schedule your tour. This will be our tenth year participating in Florida’s VPK program. Children who will be four by September 1st, 2015 will be eligible to participate in the VPK pro-gram. Parents need to attend registration to fill out enrollment forms. Preschool classes fill up quickly. We cannot guarantee placement for your child for the 2015/2016 school year until registration is completed. If you have any questions please call Director Jody Schweichler at (813) 968-9534. Our next school board meeting will be January 12th at 1:00 pm in the Ministry Center. New members are needed and always welcome.
A prayer for your personal witness outreach in 2015:
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,
And love that soul through me;
And may I nobly do my part
To win that soul for Thee.
~ Tucker
Stewardship/Commitment Update
1. As a matter of background, our congregation received pledges for 2014 from 157 giving units. 2. This year Response Cards/Estimate of Giving Cards for 2015 were collected from 111 giving units (husbands and wives or single persons) out of 263 giving units. This count might not be final since more commitments might have been submitted since these cards were recorded. 3. This 111 is a decrease of 46 giving units or 29% fewer than last year. 4. Of the 111 however, 70 giving units or roughly 63% increased their financial
commitment. 5. In Summary, the 111 giving units who filled out the Response Cards/Estimate
of Giving Cards committed an annualized total of $427,762.40 for next year. This is an increase of $57,827.40 or approximately 16 %. 6. We encourage those of you who have not yet submitted commitments for next year to provide them so that we can more accurately estimate our income for next year. Thanks for your support of the mission and ministry of Messiah. David Pergande Financial Secretary
Youth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth Night For youth grades 5For youth grades 5For youth grades 5For youth grades 5----12 12 12 12 ----Sundays from 4pmSundays from 4pmSundays from 4pmSundays from 4pm----6pm ~ 6pm ~ 6pm ~ 6pm ~
We begin with a short devotion. Parents we need your help as chaperones, Open Gym dates for January are 4, 11, 18 & 25
Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Lets get together on Sunday the 11th at 6:30PM at Messiah for food and fellowship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share, main course/drinks provided! Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night will be will be will be will be
Sunday the 25th.Sunday the 25th.Sunday the 25th.Sunday the 25th. • Meet at Anthony ’ s Coal Fired Pizza at 1901 S Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL
33629 at 6:30PM. Bring at least $5 to contribute to the bill. Please RSVP if you can so we can reserve a large enough table.
Friday January 30 Middle
School Game Night 7-9:30PM!
All youth grades 5-8 join us for a game night in the youth room. There will be several game choices and rounds. Vote on your favorite and enjoy some snacks
and fellowship and competition with youth group friends.
From Abby… (Not to be confused with Dear Abby,) My family long has had a tradition of writing and sharing Christmas letters. It has been a
great way to touch base and share what has been happening with those second cousins you don’t get to see very often. Writing this letter is also a great exercise personally because it
allows me to reflect and see God’s hand in the past year and look to the New Year as a fresh start and set new goals and make resolutions in order to better life or accomplish something
in the year to come.
Certainly our church family has had a lot of transition and uncertainty during the last year and a lot to look forward to as we get a new Pastor in the new year. As I reflect on all that has been and all that will be, I’m drawn to God’s Word, history or His Story where God’s faithfulness and perfect timing is demonstrated no matter the circumstance taking place and no matter how desperate the situation at the time seems. I find the book of 1 Samuel and the story of David (perhaps because there are very few people in the Bible like him where so much , virtually all of his life is recorded and documented) especially intriguing. I further enjoy
looking at this book as I realize how much of the book of Psalms was written by David and the thoughts and emotions behind the songs and prayers come out of the events that take place in 1 Samuel.
In 1 Samuel 16 David, the youngest son of Jesse, the brother not even present for the sacrifice is anointed king of Israel. Samuel is certain each of the older brothers is a better fit but God urges him, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” To everyone present, David seemed the
least likely choice, but in the long run, he was the BEST choice for Israel. On an even larger level, God saw how David was included in Jesus’s family line and how David would fit into God’s even bigger plan for sal-
vation.
David was promised he would succeed Saul, but he had to wait a long time before he actually got to reign. It must have been a challenge for David to remain humble and faithful knowing he would be king. With God’s
help he did. He served Saul faithfully and respected his role as the current king. David put God first in all things. When the giant Goliath came around and everyone was afraid, the boy who was too small for the ar-
mor went into battle out matched because he knew God’s strength and hand of provision was with him.
David eventually had to go on the run for his life because of Saul’s fear of and hatred towards him. God pro-tected David. David remained faithful as well by not killing Saul when he had an opportunity to do so. David was chosen and set apart to be king but he had to go through some stuff, much of it unpleasant, and a lot of it
not his fault, before the glory years of his reign came to be.
David was not a perfect king or family man. Some could describe him as the worst of human beings as he was guilty of both murder and adultery. Yet neither of these are what David is remembered for, despite these things he is known as a man after God’s own heart. Certainly, he endured some consequences for his actions. He is also an example of true repentance and God’s great ability to forgive anything if we repent. David died
a Bible hero and a big part of God’s plan for salvation.
We too can look at life and our experiences and see negative actions or carry guilt for past sins and missed opportunities or we can see God being faithful. We can see a God who loves and forgives. We can see a God who keeps his promises and whose timing is perfect. As we head into a new year and a new chapter is Mes-
siah Lutheran Church’s history, may we as individuals and as a church praise God for his faithfulness, look to Him for guidance and strength, repent and learn from our mistakes, and finish strong with the work He has
prepared for us to do. Blessings in 2015!
Playgroup will not meet on January 19th due to it
being Martin Luther King Junior Holiday.
In January, the Hispanic Ministry is starting sev-eral area community outreach classes in several area apartment complexes. The goal is go to where people are at, to teach a skill such as handcrafts or computer skills, make a connection, and then pre-sent the Gospel and an invitation to worship and to church fellowship functions. The Hispanic Congre-gation is looking for some English speaking partners from Mes-siah’s Anglo congregation who would be willing to come along side them and teach the English version of these classes (so that classes can be offered in these communities without bias or dis-crimination). If they cannot find partners from our congregation, they will be forced to cancel these classes.
If you have computer or handcraft skill, have a heart for people and sharing Jesus please contact Abby Moss ([email protected]) or Pastor Miguel Sanabria ([email protected]). This is a great way to partner with our Hispanic brothers and sisters, to reach out into our community, and to be a witness to those around us who speak English or Spanish. This fits
with Messiah’s mission to Grow in Faith, Service, and Witness Outreach and to put an emphasis on Outreach in the coming year.